What does it take to lead and innovate inside one of the world’s most complex industrial organizations? In this episode, Pearl Chu, Director of Technical Domains and University Relations at SLB, and Simon Ross, Senior VP of Global Supply at SLB, share their journeys and perspectives on building high-performing teams, scaling operations, and fostering a culture that turns complexity into capability. The conversation explores how leadership, culture and system design come together to drive innovation across global teams, from developing technical talent to managing large-scale supply chains in dynamic environments. They discuss the shift from individual heroics to repeatable excellence, the role of psychological safety and diversity of thought, and how experimentation and long-term thinking enable real transformation, with AI woven in as a practical layer that supports better decisions and stronger outcomes.

Key Insights & Timestamps

[05:01] Pearl’s Journey: From engineer to leading global technical talent

[06:43] Simon’s Journey: From field operations to global supply leadership

[11:30] Culture & Innovation: How diversity of thought and system design drive performance

[18:40] From Heroics to Systems: Scaling innovation through repeatable excellence

[21:12] Where AI Fits: Moving beyond hype to real operational value

[27:08] Human in the Loop: AI as part of the team, not replacing judgment

[39:16] From Pilot to Scale: How to experiment, learn and drive impact

[45:00] Psychological Safety: Creating environments where people can challenge and contribute

Guest Spotlight

Pearl Chu ● LinkedIn

Pearl Chu is the Director of Technical Domains and University Relations at SLB, where she leads the development of global technical talent and helps drive innovation across engineering and technical communities. With over 35 years at the company, she has held leadership roles spanning engineering, operations, and HR, giving her a unique perspective on building high-performing, diverse teams. Pearl is also a recognized leader in advancing women in energy and technology, known for championing inclusive cultures that unlock innovation at scale and has recently been named one of Hart Energy’s Influential Women of 2026.

Simon Ross ● LinkedIn

Simon Ross is the Senior VP of Global Supply at SLB, overseeing supply chain, manufacturing, and maintenance across one of the most complex energy organizations in the world. With over 25 years of experience, his career spans field operations, consulting, and large-scale transformation programs that drive efficiency and resilience. Simon is known for his systems thinking approach, focusing on scaling innovation, optimizing global operations, and turning complex challenges into repeatable, high-impact solutions.

Resources Mentioned:

SLB | https://www.slb.com

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